Check Out the Woodson African American History Museum: Excitement Aplenty

By JON WILSON, Consulting Editor, TB Reporter

Art, music, a Christmas Tree lighting, holiday cheer and more are in store during the rest of December.

ST. PETERSBURG — Starting Saturday (Dec. 10), the Carter G. Woodson African American History Museum offers a busy calendar of activities in celebration of the season.

First up is Saturday’s (Dec. 10) Art Walk, which features the extraordinary work of Florida artist Paul Houzell. Houzell’s exhibit is temporary, so this is a chance to see it before it leaves the museum. At the same time, the museum’s Christmas decorations, including its black Santa collection, is on display. All is free and open to the public.

On Sunday (Dec. 11) 3 p.m to 5 p.m, get a professional photo taken with Santa. Recommended donation $5. To reserve a spot (required), email woodsonmuseum@gmail.com. Monday (Dec. 12), the weekly rehearsal of One City Chorus is at 7 p.m. This singing group is open to all. Check it out here: onecitychorus.org

Wednesday (Dec. 14) brings the “Writing to Breath-Poetry of Witness” class at 6 p.m. The course studies a testimonial genre of poetry focused on experiences often associated with violence or injustice. The series covers a diverse range of voices, attempting to capture the complexity of how poets have written about various social issues. Poetic craft, historical context and the potential goals of each poem are discussed. After the discussion, students will be given a writing prompt inspired by the work discussed.

Sunday (Dec. 18) from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. features the “Dolls, Balls and Books” event. Donations of those items will benefit community youth this holiday season. The night also will be a Holiday Open House with a tree lighting ceremony, a wide collection of African American Santas and angels, Christmas caroling and a ginger bread house competition.

Items can be dropped off at the museum, 2240 Ninth Ave S.

For information about the Carter G. Woodson African American History Museum, go to woodsonmuseum.org.